The above image shows the likely outcomes for six people with ACL injury who have early surgery and six people who follow a rehab first approach.
- About half of people who choose either option are satisfied at two years after injury.
- Those who choose rehab first can recover quicker or choose surgery if they are not satisfied.
International ACL experts agree that most people should complete rehab before deciding about surgery because recovery can be quicker, there are fewer risks, and more options.
Not many people are aware of the benefits of completing rehab before considering surgery, so don’t be surprised if friends, whānau and even health professionals suggest you should see a surgeon straight away.